Cognitive Profile Research Articles

Fucoidan protects CA1 pyramidal neurons of the hippocampus and preserves the cognitive profile of rats subjected to transient forebrain ischemia

Fucoidan, a polysaccharide derived from brown seaweeds, especially Fucus Vesiculosus has been documented as an effective neuroprotectant. This study investigates the efficacy of fucoidan in mitigating the cognitive deficits in the rat model of vascular dementia induced through the 4-vessel occlusions (4VO) method. Male Wistar rats weighing about 250–300 g were randomly assigned into four groups, sham, lesion (4VO), 4VO + F5mg/kg, and 4VO + F50mg/kg. The rats were assessed for cognitive behaviour performance through novel object task, T-maze and Morris water maze, and finally, the hippocampus from the brain was harvested to quantify the profile of CA1 pyramidal neurons through CFV staining and the expression of inflammatory markers and angiogenic markers were quantified through western blot assessment on day7 and 30 of the study period. The rats were treated with fucoidan at a dose of 50 mg/kg. body weight showed improved spatial learning and memory compared to the lesion group and the cytoarchitecture of CA1 pyramidal cells was observed to be well preserved. The expression of IL1β, IL6, TNFα, NFk-B, CD68 and HIFα were found to be down-regulated, while on the contrary the VEGFR2 and angiopoietin-1 were up regulated in the 4VO + F50mg/kg group when compared with the lesion group. In conclusion, this study ascertains the role of fucoidan in support of the cognitive profile of rats subjected to vascular dementia and in preserving the CA1 pyramidal neurons of the hippocampus by regulating the inflammatory and angiogenic factors.

Cognitive and Behavioral Profile in a Child with Macrocerebellum—A Rare Congenital Brain Malformation

AbstractMacrocerebellum is a rare condition marked by an aberrant growth in the size of the cerebellum without any morphological or signal abnormalities. It can occur in isolation (nonsyndromic) or as part of various clinical syndromes such as Costello's syndrome, Sotos syndrome, Williams' syndrome, macrocephaly-capillary malformation syndrome, mucopolysaccharidosis, and Lhermitte–Duclos' syndrome. The most common clinical features described with macrocerebellum are developmental delay, hypotonia, ataxia, nystagmus, oculomotor apraxia, seizures, and facial dysmorphism. The exact pathophysiological basis underneath this condition is still unknown. We report the case of a 13-month-old boy who presented with developmental delay, nystagmus, and generalized hypotonia. The presence of nystagmus made us suspect cerebellar pathology in this child. Magnetic resonance imaging of brain showed macrocerebellum which was confirmed by volumetric analysis. He did not have any clinical features to suggest a syndrome associated with macrocerebellum. His developmental quotient was 45, and his receptive and expressive language age was around 5 to 6 months. His genetic analysis by whole exome sequencing did not reveal any disease-causing variants. A repeat clinical evaluation after 4 months showed an improvement in motor domains.

Differential neuropsychological profiles in children and adolescents with motor disability in an inclusive educational setting

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to determine the potential cognitive impairment associated with motor disability in a group of children attending regular schools and to analyze whether there were different cognitive profiles according to the type of motor disability they presented. The study had 87 participants, 31 healthy and 56 with three types of motor disability: Neuromuscular Diseases (NMD Group), Cerebral Palsy-Hemiparesis (CP- HPx Group) and Cerebral Palsy-Diplegia (CP-DP). Ages ranged from 6 to 18 years and they had medium and medium-high socioeconomic and cultural levels. All participants attended regular state-funded and independent schools in an inclusive modality. The neuropsychological assessment included the following cognitive domains: processing speed, working memory, verbal and visual episodic memory, language, visuo-perception and constructive praxis and executive functioning. A second analysis was performed with the groups with CP: one based on the severity of gross motor impairment (GMFCS-E&R scale) and the other based on the levels of manual dexterity (MACS scale). ANCOVAs were performed controlling for age and processing speed in the three analyses. The group with CP-HPx was shown to be the most cognitively impaired of the three groups, with significant deficits in visuo-perception, verbal working memory, and visuo-spatial memory. Subjects with greater gross motor dysfunction (GMFCS-E&R) did not show the greatest cognitive impairment, while those with worse manual dexterity (MACS) exhibited greater cognitive impairment. Children and adolescents with motor disabilities, a priori cognitively normal, present different levels of cognitive impairment. This should be considered when planning educational adaptations for this infant-juvenile population.

Poles talk about eating... Conceptualisation of the act of eating in light of Polish lexis

This article discusses the Polish vocabulary related to the act of eating. Assuming that lexis acts as a sensitive device to detect and record changes in history and culture, and referring to the methodology of cognitive linguistics, I describe three conceptualisation profiles of the act of eating. The first one described is the biological profile (with 3 cognitive pathways: food is life, food is strength, and food is protection).In the field of “verbs of eating” treated as a biological fact, I distinguish the ones describing the act of eating from the viewpoint of the way it is performed, particularly the speed (fast – slow) and the size of the portions put into the mouth (small or large bites), the amount of food consumed, aesthetics, apparent appetite, and a kind of rhythmicity and automatism of eating or using cutlery, the function of which in eating is compared to an oar – while sailing a boat or a sword – during a fight. Afterwards, I deal with more recent cognitive profiles: psychological and cultural. In particular, I am interested in the contemporary changes, established in language, in the approach to the act of eating towards treating it, for instance, as a threat or disturbance from the sphere of the human psyche (cf. jedzenioholizm (binge eating), feederyzm (feederism), manoreksja (manorexia), ortoreksja (orthorexia), etc.), a way of spending time (cf. gastroturystyka (gastrotourism), foodie, pornografia jedzenia (food pornography), etc.), or as a specific philosophy of life and a component of the human cultural identity (cf. freeganin (a freegan), frutarianin (a fruitarian), fleksitarianin (a flexitarian), solarianin (a solarian))

Measurement Invariance of the WISC-V across a Clinical Sample of Children and Adolescents with ADHD and a Matched Control Group.

Measurement invariance of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fifth Edition (WISC-V) 10-primary subtest battery was analyzed across a group of children and adolescents with ADHD (n = 91) and a control group (n = 91) matched by sex, age, migration background, and parental education or type of school. First, confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) were performed to establish the model fit for the WISC-V second-order five-factor model in each group. A sufficiently good fit of the model was found for the data in both groups. Subsequently, multigroup confirmatory factor analyses (MGCFAs) were conducted to test for measurement invariance across the ADHD and control group. Results of these analyses indicated configural and metric invariance but did not support full scalar invariance. However, after relaxing equality constraints on the Vocabulary (VC), Digit Span (DS), Coding (CD), Symbol Search (SS), and Picture Span (PS) subtest intercepts as well as on the intercepts of the first-order factors Working Memory (WM) and Processing Speed (PS), partial scalar invariance could be obtained. Furthermore, model-based reliability coefficients indicated that the WISC-V provides a more precise measurement of general intelligence (e.g., represented by the Full-Scale IQ, FSIQ) than it does for cognitive subdomains (e.g., represented by the WISC-V indexes). Group comparisons revealed that the ADHD group scored significantly lower than the control group on four primary subtests, thus achieving significantly lower scores on the corresponding primary indexes and the FSIQ. Given that measurement invariance across the ADHD and the control group could not be fully confirmed for the German WISC-V, clinical interpretations based on the WISC-V primary indexes are limited and should only be made with great caution regarding the cognitive profiles of children and adolescents with ADHD.

UNVEILING THE MYSTERY OF NEURONAL SYNCHRONIZATION: HOW COORDINATED BRAIN ACTIVITY SHAPES COGNITION IN THE CONTEXT OF EDUCATION

Neuronal synchronization, a captivating and intricate phenomenon within the realm of neuroscience, unfolds as a mesmerizing dance of coordinated firing among groups of neurons, ultimately giving rise to distinctive brain rhythms. This paper embarks on a comprehensive exploration, delving into the profound impact of neuronal synchronization on cognition, particularly within the educational landscape. The journey navigates the nexus of neuroscience and education from unraveling the fundamental mechanisms underlying this phenomenon to elucidating its far-reaching cognitive consequences and practical applications in teaching. This exploration extends beyond theoretical discussions to embrace real-world applications, with case studies and examples illustrating successful implementations of neuronal synchronization principles in educational settings. These instances serve as beacons, shedding light on how understanding and leveraging neuronal synchronization can significantly enhance the teaching and learning experience. As we peer into the future, emerging trends in neuroeducation come to the forefront. This trajectory holds promise for personalized and adaptive learning experiences dynamically shaped by the principles of neuronal synchronization. The potential benefits of inclusive education become apparent, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and accommodating the diverse cognitive profiles of learners. In essence, this paper positions neuronal synchronization not merely as a scientific concept but as a guiding principle poised to revolutionize pedagogy. The intricate interplay between neuroscience and education showcased through the lens of neuronal synchronization, beckons a future where scientific insights do not just inform teaching strategies intricately woven into the fabric of our cognitive processes. This abstract invites readers to embark on a journey that transcends disciplinary boundaries, illuminating the transformative potential that understanding neuronal synchronization holds for the evolution of education.

Association between serum insulin-like growth factor 1 levels and the improvements of cognitive impairments in a subgroup of schizophrenia: Preliminary findings

BackgroundNumerous studies have implicated abnormal insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, but findings have been inconsistent. MethodsWe conducted a meta-analysis to compare IGF-1 levels in schizophrenia patients with healthy controls and explored factors contributing to variability between estimates. In an independent sample (58 chronic schizophrenia patients and 30 healthy controls), we investigated differences in IGF-1 levels among schizophrenia subgroups with distinct cognitive profiles, identified using k-means clustering based on five cognitive domains from The Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status. Associations between serum IGF-1 levels and clinical and neurocognitive improvements were also examined. ResultsThe meta-analysis revealed significantly lower serum IGF-1 levels in schizophrenia patients compared to healthy controls, albeit with high heterogeneity. Medication status, BMI, and severity of negative symptoms were identified as potential contributors to this heterogeneity. In our independent study, antipsychotic treatment led to a significant increase in IGF-1 levels, and lower pre-treatment serum IGF-1 levels correlated with greater improvement in cognitive deficits, particularly in a subgroup with more severe cognitive symptoms. ConclusionsOur findings support the “IGF-1 deficiency hypothesis” in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Further research is crucial to elucidate the role of IGF-1 in the cognitive impairments associated with schizophrenia.

Pre-treatment predictors of cognitive side-effects after treatment with electroconvulsive therapy in patients with depression: A multicenter study

BackgroundElectroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a highly effective treatment for major depressive episodes (MDE). However, ECT-induced cognitive side-effects remain a concern. Identification of pre-treatment predictors that contribute to these side-effects remain unclear. We examined cognitive performance and individual cognitive profiles over time (up to six months) following ECT and investigated possible pre-treatment clinical and demographic predictors of cognitive decline shortly after ECT. Methods634 patients with MDE from five sites were included with recruitment periods between 2001 and 2020. Linear mixed models were used to examine how cognitive performance, assessed with an extensive neuropsychological test battery, evolved over time following ECT. Next, possible pre-treatment predictors of cognitive side-effects directly after ECT were examined using linear regression. ResultsDirectly after ECT, only verbal fluency (animal and letter; p < 0.0001; Cohen's d: −0.25 and −0.29 respectively) and verbal recall (p < 0.0001; Cohen's d: −0.26) significantly declined. However, during three and six months of follow-up, cognitive performance across all domains significantly improved, even outperforming baseline levels. No other pre-treatment factor than a younger age predicted a larger deterioration in cognitive performance shortly after ECT. LimitationsThere was a substantial amount of missing data especially at 6 months follow-up. ConclusionsOur findings show that verbal fluency and memory retention are temporarily affected immediately after ECT. Younger patients may be more susceptible to experiencing these acute cognitive side-effects, which seems to be mostly due to a more intact cognitive functioning prior to ECT. These findings could contribute to decision-making regarding treatment selection, psychoeducation, and guidance during an ECT course.

Exploring the cognitive profiles related to unimodal auditory versus multisensory hallucinations in schizophrenia-spectrum disorders

ABSTRACT Introduction Hallucinations can be experienced across multiple sensory modalities, but psychiatric studies investigating the cognitive mechanisms of hallucinations have been somewhat restricted to the auditory domain. This study explored the cognitive profiles of individuals experiencing multisensory hallucinations (MH) in schizophrenia-spectrum disorders (SSD) and compared these to those experiencing unimodal auditory hallucinations (AH) or no hallucinations (NH). Methods Participants included SSD patients (n = 119) stratified by current hallucination status (NH, AH, MH) and nonclinical controls (NCs; n = 113). Group performance was compared across several cognitive domains: speed of processing, attention, working memory, verbal learning, visual learning, reasoning and problem-solving, social cognition, and inhibition. Results The clinical groups performed worse than NCs but differences between the clinical groups were not evident across most cognitive domains. Exploratory analyses revealed that the MH group was more impaired on the visual learning task compared to the NH (but not AH) group. Conclusions Preliminary results suggest that impaired visual learning may be related to MH. This could be attributed to the presence of visual hallucinations (VH), or greater psychopathology, in this group. However, replication is needed, as well as the investigation of other potential cognitive mechanisms of MH.

Cognitive-Linguistic Profiling in Young Onset Dementia: A case Study

The onset of dementia is after 65 years. Though there are evidence reported in the past regarding the onset of dementia before this age, it is very rare. Studies carried out in the past have concentrated on the site of lesion, genetic base for the young onset dementia and the studies focusing on cognitive linguistic profiling are extremely rare. The current study focussed on the cognitive linguistic profiling and profiling the effect of dementia on the activities of daily living. The findings suggested that the cognitive linguistic deficit was very severe and had a note-worthy impact on the activities of daily living. This is pivotal in designing the plan of intervention and deciding the course of treatment.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Negative Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy: Cerebrospinal Fluid Amyloid-β42 over Amyloid Positron Emission Tomography.

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) pathology is becoming increasingly important in Alzheimer's disease (AD) because of its potential link to amyloid-related imaging abnormalities, a critical side effect observed during AD immunotherapy. Identification of CAA without typical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) markers (MRI-negative CAA) is challenging, and novel detection biomarkers are needed. We included 69 participants with high neuritic plaques (NP) burden, with and without CAA pathology (NP with CAA vs. NP without CAA) based on autopsy data from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. Two participants with hemorrhagic CAA markers based on MRI were excluded and the final analysis involved 36 NP without CAA and 31 NP with CAA. A logistic regression model was used to compare the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) amyloid-β42 (Aβ42), phosphorylated tau181, and total tau levels, the amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) standardized uptake ratio (SUVR), and cognitive profiles between NP with and without CAA. Regression models for CSF and PET were adjusted for age at death, sex, and the last assessed clinical dementia rating sum of boxes score. Models for cognitive performances was adjusted for age at death, sex, and education level. NP with CAA had significantly lower CSF Aβ42 levels when compared with those without CAA (110.5 pg/mL vs. 134.5 pg/mL, p-value = 0.002). Logistic regression analysis revealed that low CSF Aβ42 levels were significantly associated with NP with CAA (odds ratio [OR]: 0.957, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.928, 0.987, p-value = 0.005). However, amyloid PET SUVR did not differ between NP with CAA and those without CAA (1.39 vs. 1.48, p-value = 0.666). Logistic regression model analysis did not reveal an association between amyloid PET SUVR and NP with CAA (OR: 0.360, 95% CI: 0.007, 1.741, p-value = 0.606). CSF Aβ42 is more sensitive to predict MRI-negative CAA in high NP burden than amyloid PET.

Remarkable Differential Verbal and Non-Verbal/Performance Cognitive Profiles in Homicide and Sexual Offenders with Adult Victims

Remarkable Differential Verbal and Non-Verbal/Performance Cognitive Profiles in Homicide and Sexual Offenders with Adult Victims

A Study Of Rorschach’s Test In Patients With Autoimmune Diseases And Possible Relation With Opioid And Cannabinoid Systems

There are few studies examining psychological characteristics in patients with autoimmune disease, while significantly more attention has been given to emotional, personality changes and cognitive profile in cancer disease. A irreversible chronic and pervasive disorder brings many life stresses and affects the patient's ability to cope with them. This study explored the personality characteristics in a sample of patients affected by the most common autoimmune diseases.

Neurofeedback in the treatment of cognitive impairment in patients with early cerebral small vessel disease

To compare the effectiveness of neurofeedback (NFB) at infra-low and alpha frequencies in the treatment of cognitive impairment in patients with early cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD). The study included 71 patients (average age 52.8±6.3 years, men 15%, women 85%) with early cSVD and 21 healthy volunteers (average age 53.2±4.8 years, men 29%, women 71%). All participants were assessed for clinical manifestations and cognitive functions, brain MRI, and EEG. cSVD patients were randomized by an envelope method with double-blind placebo control. Three groups of neurofeedback were formed: infra-low waves (n=25), alpha waves (n=22), simulated neurofeedback using EEG (placebo) (n=24). Fifteen sessions of 30 minutes were conducted 2-5 times a week. The cognitive profile and EEG were assessed immediately and 6-8 weeks after completion of the neurofeedback course. Patients with early cSVD had subjective (65%) and moderate (35%) cognitive impairment with predominant deviations in the components of executive brain functions (EBF). Neurofeedback using infra-low waves significantly improved EBF in the components of productivity, switching and inhibition, non-verbal delayed memory immediately after the course, maintaining the effect for at least 6-8 weeks, which was accompanied by an increase in the power (μB2) of the alpha rhythm in the occipital regions. Neurofeedback using alpha waves showed improvement in the Stroop test (interference index) in the delayed period. In patients with early cSVD and deterioration of EBF, it is preferable to conduct biofeedback neurotraining at infra-low frequencies to treat cognitive impairment and create a cognitive reserve. An increase in the power of the alpha rhythm in the occipital regions during the course can be considered a prognostic marker of its effectiveness.

Cognitive Profiles Stratified by Education Using Montreal Cognitive Assessment in Parkinson's Disease Patients with Freezing of Gait.

Parkinson's disease (PD) patients with freezing of gait (FOG) may present with complex and heterogeneous cognitive profiles. Owing to limited access to comprehensive neuropsychological battery in ordinary clinical practice, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is likely to be easily available cognitive data for comparisons among studies. This study aims to explore the cognitive profiles stratified by education using MoCA in PD patients with FOG. PD patients with FOG (FOG+, n = 52) and without FOG (FOG-, n = 71) were included in our study. MoCA items were categorized into five subsections (attention/working memory, executive function, episodic memory, language, and visuospatial function) referring to previously published criteria. Cognitive assessments were compared based on five subsections between groups stratified by three education levels (0-6 years, 7-12 years, and >12 years). The association of cognitive measurements with FOG were analyzed using binary logistic regression models with adjustment for variables. The total scores and subscores of each subsection of MoCA were similar between two groups of each education level. Further detailed analysis showed that a composite measure labeled "Attention/working memory-Composite" (abbreviated to Attention-C), consisting of the scores of four items (target detection task, serial sevens, digit forward and backward, and sentence repetition), were lower significantly in FOG+ group compared with FOG- group in patients with education year ≤6 years. The significant association of Attention-C with FOG held true when controlling for disease duration, but not for H-Y stage, MDS-UPDRS III, HAMA, and HAMD. Overall, our findings gave a hint that Attention-C derived from MoCA might be a potential factor associated with FOG in PD patients with lower education level (education year ≤ 6 years), which will need to be validated in future studies.

Alterations of Structural Network Efficiency in Early-Onset and Late-Onset Alzheimer's Disease.

Early- and late-onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD and LOAD, respectively) share the same neuropathological hallmarks of amyloid and neurofibrillary tangles but have distinct cognitive features. We compared structural brain connectivity between the EOAD and LOAD groups using structural network efficiency and evaluated the association of structural network efficiency with the cognitive profile and pathological markers of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The structural brain connectivity networks of 80 AD patients (47 with EOAD and 33 with LOAD) and 57 healthy controls were reconstructed using diffusion-tensor imaging. Graph-theoretic indices were calculated and intergroup differences were evaluated. Correlations between network parameters and neuropsychological test results were analyzed. The correlations of the amyloid and tau burdens with network parameters were evaluated for the patients and controls. Compared with the age-matched control group, the EOAD patients had increased global path length and decreased global efficiency, averaged local efficiency, and averaged clustering coefficient. In contrast, no significant differences were found in the LOAD patients. Locally, the EOAD patients showed decreases in local efficiency and the clustering coefficient over a wide area compared with the control group, whereas LOAD patients showed such decreases only within a limited area. Changes in network parameters were significantly correlated with multiple cognitive domains in EOAD patients, but only with Clinical Dementia Rating Sum-of-Boxes scores in LOAD patients. Finally, the tau burden was correlated with changes in network parameters in AD signature areas in both patient groups, while there was no correlation with the amyloid burden. The impairment of structural network efficiency and its effects on cognition may differ between EOAD and LOAD.

The protocol for an observational Australian cohort study of CADASIL: The AusCADASIL study

IntroductionCerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy with Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is a rare genetic condition with a broad phenotypic presentation. This study aims to establish the first Australian cohort of individuals affected by CADASIL (AusCADASIL) and examine its clinical features and longitudinal course, and to investigate neuroimaging and blood biomarkers to assist in early diagnosis and identify disease progression. MethodsParticipants will be recruited from six study centres across Australia for an observational study of CADASIL. We aim to recruit 150 participants with diagnosed CADASIL, family history of CADASIL or suspected CADASIL symptoms, and 150 cognitively normal NOTCH3 negative individuals as controls. Participants will complete: 1) online questionnaires on medical and family history, mental health, and wellbeing; 2) neuropsychological evaluation; 3) neurological examination and brain MRI; 4) ocular examination and 5) blood sample donation. Participants will have annual follow-up for 4 years to assess their progression and will be asked to invite a study partner to corroborate their self-reported cognitive and functional abilities.Primary outcomes include cognitive function and neuroimaging abnormalities. Secondary outcomes include investigation of genetics and blood and ocular biomarkers. Data from the cohort will contribute to an international consortium, and cohort participants will be invited to access future treatment/health intervention trials. DiscussionAusCADASIL will be the first study of an Australian cohort of individuals with CADASIL. The study will identify common pathogenic variants in this cohort, and characterise the pattern of clinical presentation and longitudinal progression, including imaging features, blood and ocular biomarkers and cognitive profile.

Neuropsychological aspects and mood profiles of patients with COVID-19: results of a preliminary case-control study with Brazilian participants

Background: The long-term effects of COVID-19 became a target of investigation in the years following the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The current evidence is mixed and includes studies suggesting an impairment in psychological, neuropsychological, and mood conditions, while other studies have failed to find significant differences. Aim: We compared the cognitive and mood profiles of patients who had COVID-19 with a control group using neuropsychological measures and self-reported questionnaires. Methodology: We implemented a case-control study from September 2021 to June 2022. We conducted an in-person neuropsychological evaluations of 45 patients who had COVID-19 and a control group of 16 participants, matching them for age, sex, education, and civil status. We evaluated their perception, attention, memory, and mood profiles. We used one-sided T-tests to check the plausibility of the hypothesis of worse results in the group of patients who had COVID-19 and we implemented a chi-squared test to assess the percentage of participants at risk for depression and anxiety in both groups. Results: We found no significant differences on either the cognitive tests or mood profile. Conclusion: Although preliminary, the data suggest that people who had COVID-19 have similar cognitive skills and mood profiles compared to a control group. Further research is important, given the mixed results published in the scientific literature.

Cognitive function and brain magnetic resonance imaging profiles in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder and multiple sclerosis.

The objective of this study was to investigate cognitive performance and brain volume profile in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and multiple sclerosis (MS). In a historical cohort study, 29 MS patients, 31 NMOSD patients, and 20 healthy controls (HCs) underwent neuropsychological assessment using the Minimal Assessment of Cognitive Function in Multiple Sclerosis (MACFIMS). Patients with MS and NMOSD also underwent a 1.5-tesla magnetic resonance imaging scan and high-resolution three-dimensional T1-weighted MPRAGE sequence. The Symbol Digit Modalities Test scores were significantly lower in MS (mean [standard deviation (SD)] =44.1 [14]) and NMOSD (mean [SD] =45.5 [14.3]) patients compared to HCs (mean [SD] =57 [9.5], P < 0.001). Scores of the Controlled Oral Word Association Test were also lower in MS (mean [SD] =25.9 [9.8]) and NMOSD (mean [SD] =24.6 [10.2]) patients compared to HCs (mean [SD] =36.6 [9.8], P < 0.001). Additionally, the MS group performed worse on the Brief Visuospatial Memory Test (BVMT) compared to the NMOSD group (9.4 ± 3.4 vs. 7.1 ± 3.7 P < 0.001). In MS patients, there was a significant correlation between all cognition scores and total brain lesions, as well as between every test except BVMT-Revised with thalamic volumes. In NMOSD patients, a correlation was found between gray matter volume and the learning phase of the California Verbal Learning Test-II as well as between total lesion percentage and verbal memory and information processing speed. Both NMOSD and MS patients experienced impairment of information processing speed, working memory, and verbal fluency, whereas visuospatial memory impairment was only observed in MS patients. Despite lower total brain lesion and less thalamic atrophy, patients with NMOSD are at risk of cognitive impairment. Microscopic structural abnormalities may be a possible cause.

Development and Validation of a Screening Questionnaire for Dementia With Lewy Bodies (DLB): the DLB Screening Questionnaire (DLBSQ).

Although dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is the second most common cause of neurodegenerative dementia, its clinical prevalence is low. We developed a short and easy-to-complete DLB screening questionnaire (DLBSQ) to raise diagnostic sensitivity in routine clinical settings. A total of 501 participants were retrospectively enrolled, including 71 controls, 184 patients without DLB, and 246 patients with probable DLB. All patients underwent clinical evaluation, including core features of DLB, the DLBSQ, brain magnetic resonance imaging, and detailed neuropsychological assessments. The diagnostic performance of the DLBSQ for probable DLB was investigated using a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Total DLBSQ score was associated with visuospatial and frontal/executive dysfunction and the diagnosis of probable DLB. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for total DLBSQ score was 0.727. Youden's method revealed an optimal cutoff value of 3. The sensitivity and specificity of the DLBSQ were 68.7% and 62.4%, respectively. Its discriminating performance improved when cognitive test profiles were additionally considered (area under the curve: 0.822, sensitivity: 80.6%, and specificity: 70.4%). The DLBSQ might be a useful screening tool for DLB in routine clinical practice with good sensitivity and specificity.